POLICE and Correctional officers with various emergency response teams and units have been reminded of their duty and urged to remain united despite the many challenges ahead.
Acting Assistant Commissioner National Capital, Gabriel Manelusi told them when awarding officers after a display of the RSIPF response capability in preparation towards the national general elections.
“We will begin to have responsibility for our own people when RAMSI and PPF will leave us as the drawdown strategy ends by 2017,” Mr Manelusi said.
“The challenges may be new, the instruments which we meet may be new but the values upon which our success depends entirely on our honesty, hardwork, courage, fair play, tolerance, curiosity and loyalty,” he added.
“These are all old but true things.
“Things that quietly the force of progress throughout our history of discipline in these two agencies.
“What is demanded then is a return of these truths, what is required of us is a new era of responsibility – a recognition, on the part of every Solomon Islander that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, our region and the world.
“This is the price and the promise of citizenship, the source of our confidence – knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.”
Mr Manelusi said all RSIPF and Correctional Service officers must work towards rebuilding the country with new attitude and mindset for a better Solomon Islands.
“We must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of rebuilding Solomon Islands.
“RSIPF and Correctional Service are leaders of Solomon Islands Government Agencies in providing a safe and secure environment to enable a democratic, free and fair national election.
“Thus maintaining a proactive approach in terms of intelligence led policing to maintain law and order, crime reduction and confident resolution initiatives are of great importance,” he said.
He added this may even mean facing new challenges that require more with understanding.
“We are the keepers of the law guided by the principles of democracy; we may meet new threats that demand even greater effort or even greater cooperation and understanding amongst ourselves.
“But let not this be that weak point of our purpose as keepers of the law.
“For we know that our mix custom is strength, not a weakness; we are a nation of Christians shaped by every language and culture, and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil conflict and emerged from the dark chapter stronger and more united.
“We cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall pass, that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve, that as the world grows smaller our common humanity shall reveal itself and that all Solomon Islands citizen must play its role in leading in a new era of peace.”
Up to 173 officers were awarded with certificates for successfully completing Public Order Management level 3 course in Honiara yesterday.
These include officers serving in Western, Malaita, Guadalcanal and Honiara.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
